Evelyn Hugo —Let’s Smash the Patriarchy!
“Some said — How’d you fly? I said from not being afraid of trying to fly” — Jay-Z!
In Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” the protagonist, Evelyn Hugo, is portrayed as an enigmatic character, a fierce and fabulous Hollywood icon known for her beauty, charisma, and talent. Evelyn’s rise to fame and her enduring success as an actress in a male-dominated industry makes her a true leader in her field of work. But what is it that makes her stand out, you ask? Well, let me tell you about the leadership lessons we can all learn from this queen character.
“Fearless Ambition — Go Big or Go Home!”
One of the most prominent leadership qualities of Evelyn Hugo is her fearless ambition. From a young age, she knew what she wanted and was willing to go that extra mile to achieve her dream of becoming a successful actress. Evelyn’s determination and refusal to back down in the face of adversity inspired those around her to be equally resolute in pursuing their goals. For example — You are leading a team of 7 in the Finals of the “ Can you prove it? “ competition. An error occurred in your codebase. AT THE LAST MOMENT. What do you do? Panic? Blame-game? Yeah sure, go ahead and lose!! No, so you modify your presentation strategies. As the leader, you analyze the situation and make smart decisions. Evelyn’s character demonstrates that true leaders have a clear vision and the courage to pursue the end goal relentlessly, even when obstacles and challenges arise.
“Lift Others — Be a Mentor, Not a Mean Girl!”
Evelyn Hugo recognizes the importance of empowering others. She takes under her wing the young and talented Monique, a struggling journalist, and entrusts her with the task of writing her biography. Through this act of mentorship and support, Evelyn empowers Monique to believe in her capabilities and chase her dreams. Acknowledging imperfections humanized her and made her a relatable leader. Leaders take note! In real-life scenarios, Effective leaders identify the strengths of their team members, provide opportunities for growth and development, and offer guidance and mentorship to help them succeed.
“Authenticity Rules — Flaunt Your True Colors!”
Evelyn’s strength as a leader lies not only in her splendid glamour but also in her authenticity. Despite her fame, she openly admits her mistakes and regrets, allowing readers to bridge with her on a deeper level. This teaches us that leaders should embrace authenticity, be transparent about their experiences, and create an environment where team members can also be open and honest without fear of judgment. In the real world, leaders who are authentic and vulnerable can foster trust and stronger connections with their teams.
Evelyn Hugo is a force to be reckoned with, and her leadership style is a masterclass for all of us hustling through life. And, these lessons are for real, the secret sauce to becoming an outstanding leader!
